Dense Fog Forces PM Modi to Address Bengal Rally Online, Sharpens Political Battle Ahead of 2026 Polls
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was forced to address a public rally virtually in West Bengal’s Nadia district on Saturday after dense fog prevented his helicopter...
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was forced to address a public rally virtually in West Bengal’s Nadia district on Saturday after dense fog prevented his helicopter from landing at the Taherpur helipad. While weather disrupted his physical presence, the Prime Minister used the virtual platform to launch a strong political offensive against the state’s ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), signalling the early start of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) campaign for the 2026 Assembly elections.
Weather Disruption Grounds Helicopter
According to official sources, Prime Minister Modi’s helicopter attempted to land at Taherpur in the afternoon but was unable to do so due to extremely poor visibility caused by dense fog. After hovering over the helipad for some time and assessing safety conditions, the pilot returned to Kolkata airport, following standard aviation protocols.
The Prime Minister later expressed regret to those gathered at the venue, apologising for not being able to address them in person due to circumstances beyond control.
Virtual Address, Political Message
Speaking via video link, Prime Minister Modi accused the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress of protecting illegal immigrants, alleging that this was the reason the party opposed the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He argued that electoral reforms were essential to safeguard democracy and ensure that only eligible citizens exercise voting rights.
He further claimed that governance and development in West Bengal were suffering due to what he described as the state government’s lack of commitment to infrastructure and reform. The Prime Minister asserted that political opposition should not come at the cost of Bengal’s growth.
Planned Launch of Infrastructure Projects
PM Modi had arrived in Kolkata earlier in the day with plans to travel by helicopter to Taherpur, where he was scheduled to inaugurate highway and infrastructure projects. Two separate stages had been set up at the venue—one for the official government programme and another for the BJP’s political rally titled Parivartan Sankalpa Sabha (Resolution for Change).
Despite the weather setback, officials confirmed that the programmes were conducted virtually, ensuring that the scheduled announcements and political messaging went ahead.
Significance for Bengal Politics
Political analysts view the event as strategically significant. The Taherpur rally was expected to mark the BJP’s formal push toward the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. The party is likely to foreground issues such as citizenship, border security, and voter list verification—topics that resonate strongly in districts with sizeable Matua community populations.
The fog-related disruption also highlights broader winter travel challenges across eastern and northern India, where reduced visibility has repeatedly affected air and rail operations in recent days.
Broader Implications
While the immediate impact was logistical, the episode underscores how weather-related disruptions can affect high-profile political engagements and security planning. It also reflects how political communication has adapted, with virtual platforms ensuring continuity even when physical access is compromised.